Oops, looks like you need to register to access this feature.
Select “Keep Exploring” to look around Scholars in Medicine. You have full access to all videos and podcasts for a limited time. Registration is provided at no cost exclusively for healthcare providers.
Sign Up or Log In
SIM - Scholars in Medicine Logo
SIM - Scholars in Medicine Logo
Founding Sponsors
Register

Amitriptyline hydrochloride

Brand and Other Names: Amitriptyline hydrochloride
Mechanism of Action:

Amitriptyline hydrochloride is an antidepressant with sedative effects. Its mechanism of action in man is not known.

Indications:

Used for the relief of symptoms of depression.

More effective in endogenous depression than in other depressive states.

Route: oral
Dose:

Adults (Outpatients): 75 mg/day in divided doses, up to 150 mg/day.

Adults (Hospitalized): Start at 100 mg/day, up to 300 mg/day if needed.

Elderly & Adolescents: Start with 10 mg TID + 20 mg at bedtime.

Adverse Reactions:

Cardiovascular: Arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, stroke

CNS: Seizures, hallucinations, confusion

Anticholinergic: Paralytic ileus, urinary retention

Allergic: Rashes, photosensitivity

Endocrine: Gynecomastia, libido changes

Rare: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), serotonin syndrome (SS)

Contraindication:

Hypersensitivity to amitriptyline.

Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or cisapride.

Acute recovery phase after myocardial infarction.

Warnings and Precautions:

Risk of worsening depression, mania, or psychosis.

Angle-closure glaucoma may be precipitated.

Caution in seizure disorders, hyperthyroidism, and cardiovascular disease.

May enhance alcohol/CNS depressant effects.

See package insert for full prescribing information.